Clydebank corner shop sold for first time in 40 years

Singh Stores, located in Auckland Place in Dalmuir, recently hit the property market for the first time in four decades.

It was previously owned by Iqbal, also known as Billy, and Bal Singh who served the community from 1986.

Singh Stores in Auckland Place (Image: Christie & Co)Over the years Billy and Bal built up a loyal customer base at the shop which is situated within a busy housing scheme.

Now, Christie & Co, a specialist business property adviser, confirmed that the unit has been sold to an experienced local operator.

It is understood that the new owner is looking to refit the property and develop the business.

Liam Bain, a business agent at Christie & Co who handled the sale, said: “I’m delighted to have achieved a successful sale for Billy and Bal and wish them all the best with retirement.”

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We previously reported that Billy had completed his final shift at the shop which he considered a “second home” on April 14.

He told our reporter that he first came to work in the area after his last job as a bus driver in Glasgow brought him there.

Billy and Bal with some of their customers in April 2024 (Image: Colin Mearns)Billy, before retiring, said: “I started here in 1986. My friend’s family owned the shop before me and I came for what was supposed to be just two years but I ended up staying for 38.

“When I first came here some of my customers were just children and I’ve seen them grow up and become parents themselves.

“I’ve served generations of families. Previously I was a bus driver, I drove buses in Glasgow for nine years.

“One day I was sitting in the terminus in Dalmuir looking outside at the Kilpatrick Hills thinking ‘this looks a nice area’.

“My friend who I worked with, his father owned shops, one in Drumchapel and one in Dalmuir.

"At that time there was no one to look after the one in Dalmuir so they asked me if I would like to come to the business.

“I wanted to mix with the community and I have, the people around here are like family to me and I treat them as if they are.

“This is my second home.”